Gout Cary NC

Gout, also known as migratory arthritis, results from a long term disorder in purine metabolism. It is characterized by, high lithemia, repeated attacks of acute arthritis, sedimentation of gouty tophus, chronic arthritis with articular deformity, lesion of the kidney parenchyma, and formation of urate calculus. Based on an increase of uric acid in the blood as the cause, the disease can also be divided into two types: primary and secondary gout. Gout belongs to the category of "bi-syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine.

Gout often results from a blockage of meridians and a lethargic flow of qi and blood induced by exogenous pathogens, which cause arthralgia, myalgia, numbness, heaviness, joint stiffness, etc. At the early stage, gout belongs to excess-syndrome. As the disease advances, it will turn a type of deficiency syndrome mixed with excess-syndrome due to weakness of body resistance and domination of pathogens. If it is not treated for a long period of time, the circulation of qi and blood will be hindered, stagnation of blood vessels, and accumulation of body fluid will appear, leading to a blockage of meridians by blood stasis and phlegm. As a result, arthrocele and ecchymosis can occur, as well as the nodes around the joints can become stiff.

It was reported that a Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang decoction was used to treat 20 cases of gouty arthritis. The formula was composed of these single herbs: Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Zhi Gan Cao (processed Licorice), Yin Chen (Oriental Wormwood), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Fang Feng (Siler), Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Ze Xie (Alisma), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Dang Gui (Dang Gui), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), Ge Gen (Pueraria), Ku Shen (Sophora Root), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), and Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes). The results: After treatment, 13 cases had a significant improvement, 6 cases had some improvement, and 1 case did not respond to the treatment. The total effectiveness rate was 95%.(1)

Lu Jin Zhong, et al. treated 30 cases of primary gout with a supplemented San Miao Wan pill. The formula comprised of Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Ze Xie (Alisma), Huang Bo (Phellodendron), Hu Zhang (Polygoni Cuspidati), Yi Ren (Coicis), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Fu Shen (Hoelen Spirit), Ren Dong Teng (Lonicera Stem), Chuan Lian Zi (Melia), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), and Gan Cao (Licorice). One dose of the formula in a decoction was administered daily, half in the morning and half in the evening. 10 days constituted as one therapeutic course. The results: After treatment, among the 30 cases, 25 had a significant improvement, and 5 had some improvement, with a total effectiveness rate of 100%.(2)

It was reported that 15 cases of acute gout were treated with a combination of oral administration of a Si Miao Yong An Tang decoction and external washing with the herbal solution. The supplemented Si Miao Yong An Tang decoction was made up of Ren Dong Teng (Lonicera Stem), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Mu Gua (Chaenomeles), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower), Gan Cao (Licorice), Yi Ren (Coix), and Xi Xin (Wild Ginger). One dose of the supplemented formula in a decoction was administered daily at two oral takings in the morning and evening. The formula for external washing included Wei Ling Xian (Clematis), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Yi Ren (Coix), and Ren Dong Teng (Lonicera Flower). These herbs were decocted in water for soaking the foot. The results: After treatment, 9 cases were resolved and 6 had significant improvement.(3)

Meng Li Jie treated 32 cases of gout with a supplemented Si Miao San powder. The formula consisted of Yi Ren (Coix), Di Long (Lumbricus), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Chuan Niu Xi (Achyranthes (Chuan), Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes (Huai), Hua Shi (Talcum), Luo Shi Teng (Chinese Starjasmine), Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae), and Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilaci Glabrae). The ingredients were modified according to the individuals' symptoms. One dose of the formula in a decoction was administered daily with 10 days being one therapeutic course of treatment. The results: After treatment, 9 cases were resolved, 21 had significant improvement, and 2 did not respond to the treatment. The total effectiveness rate was 93.75%.(4)

Su Zheng treated 46 cases of acute gouty arthritis with oral administration of Liu Shen Wan (a common classic formula in pill form) and modified Bai Hu plus Gui Zhi Tang decoction which consisted of Shi Gao (Gypsum), which was to be decocted first, Dan Shen (Salvia), Chun Gen Teng (Cissus pteroclada hayata), Yi Ren (Coix), Tu Fu Ling (Smilax), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Che Qian Zi (Plaintain Seed), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Wei Ling Xian (Clematis), Bei Xie (Tokoro), Qin Jiao (Gentian Root), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Quan Xie (Scorpion), and Bai Hua She (Oldenlanda). One dose of the formula in a decoction was administered daily. In addition, Liu Shen Wan was taken after being dissolved in cold boiled water, 10 pills each time, twice a day. 7 days were considered one treatment course. The results revealed that after 2 courses of treatment, 8 cases were resolved, 12 cases showed improvement, and 6 cases had no effect. The total effectiveness rate was 86.95%.(5)

Combined internal and external treatment
It was reported that 55 cases of gouty arthritis were treated with the oral administration of supplemented Xuan Bi Tang decoction and external application of Bi Tong San powder and achieved decent results. The supplemented Xuan Bi Tang decoction consisted of Shi Gao (Gypsum), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Fang Feng (Siler), Hua Shi (Talcum), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Tao Ren (Persica), Gan Cao (Licorice), Can Sha (Silkworm Droppings), Yi Ren (Coix), Yin Hua Teng (Lonicera stem), and Wei Ling Xian (Clematides). One dose of the formula in a decoction was administered daily. 15 days constituted as one treatment course. The Bi Tong San powder consisted of Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Ru Xiang (Mastic), Mo Yao (Myrrha), Bing Pian (Borneol), etc. These herbs were ground into a powder and mixed with vinegar, and then applied to the affected area, twice a day. The results showed that after treatment, 29 cases were resolved, 20 cases had improved, and 6 cases had no effect. The total effectiveness rate was 89.1%.(6)

Medicated bath treatment with Chinese medicinal herbs
The therapeutic effect of a medicated bath on primary gout was observed in 82 patients who were divided into 52 cases of medicated bath group (treatment group) and 30 cases of warm water bath group (control group). After 3 weeks' treatment, both the total effectiveness rate and the significant effectiveness rate of the treatment group were superior to those of control group (P < 0.05 & P< 0.01). The results indicated that warm water bath could only relieve arthralgia, while medicated bath was capable of controlling clinical symptoms, and significantly lowering blood uric acid and blood sedimentation. In addition, the medicated bath had no side effects on the digestive system like the routinely used drugs for treating gout.(7)